NEWBIE NEEDS HELP!!!!!

Stand easy Private!
I'll let other advise on kit but I'll answer your general questions.

No, you don't need to join any group to play at a CiA game or anybody else's public games - you are part of the group just by turning up at a WW2 event (you will find you fellow players friendly and welcoming).
Now then, your gun purchase dilemma! I'm sure from what you say you realise the legal situation (to buy an airsoft gun you need to 'qualify'). Your easiest method is to join a local airsoft site (First and Only have sites in your area) and play the open days and build up your entitlement to a UKARA number. This will cost a bit (site membership + three open days) but that's no bad thing - if you are completely new to airsoft it will give you a good grounding and also demonstrate how markedly different WW2 games are to open days.

Hey TARPEY,

Welcome to the world of WW2 Airsoft. Im sure you will fit right in.

In my experience both AEG's are excellent. The AGM M14 does have an issue with the fire selector slipping but that is due to the cheaper type of metal used in the gearbox's. The part wears down over long term use, but it can be replaced easily and cheaply. Also M14's can be converted to look like M1 garands, but i wouldn't advise that for a beginner, as its costly.

The CYMA Thompson is also an excellent buy, i cant think of anyone that has a bad word to say about it. They are used my 95% of the folks protraying various US loadouts.

In my experience i find using my thompson (TM) slightly cumbersome to hold. But thats just my opinion.

Regarding kit, id recommend M42's (reinforced) they are widely used, by all.They are available at very good prices. M43's are more specialist, as they are late war, and can be pricey.

With the helmet. Id say an M1 helmet is the first thing on your shopping list. 506th symbols aren't a requirement but if u want to protray the regiment, then by all means get them. Alot of guys including myself use the 506th as a starting point. but there are many other regiments out there, to chose from.

You can get a post war helmet for no more than £20, and if your lucky you'll get a liner for that also. Id recommend Ebay for it. Leather chin strap is by no means a written requirement, but it does make the helmet look more authentic. If you mean the airborne chin strap then most of us play with them tucked in our helmets, as they can get in the way in the heat of battle. So they are hardly seen.

Helmet net is not a necessity, but more of a personal touch, same goes with the scrim, its personal choice.

Use the Kit guides on this website to gauge your look, and there are many retailers listed on the same pages.

M42 Based http://www.ww2airsoft.org.uk/zoom/us-82-airb.html
M43 Based http://www.ww2airsoft.org.uk/zoom/us-101.html

Hope this helps...Feel free to ask questions. But also search the forum, as many answers to your questions can be found.

Here's an idea Tarpey - get yourself to the F&O Bolton woodland site on Dec 13th for your first open day. Hire a gun and have a blat for the day. If it appeals then get yourself a membership card at the end of the day, then it's just two more games over the next few months away from getting your UKARA number.
More than that though - some of the players for our Sunday 14th game will be playing on the 13th and I don't see why you can't join us for our social on Sat evening as many players will be arriving Sat afternoon and camping overnight. So you can get to know some of the WW2 crowd. If that doesn't put you off, nothing will!

As long as his papers are in order.....

Willkommen Tarpey

Cheers guys, for replying so quickly

I'm itching to get stuck in. I've already emailed 'First and Only' to book a place for saturday 13th December to wet my whistle and become a member whilst i'm down there. I will see some of you guys there!

+ Thanks for the advice on kit, ive just ordered some gear from epic Mil already. I'll be able to test it out on the 13th!

PRIVATE TARPEY
101st Airborne

welcome to the land of spend plenty butty see you at F&O on the 13th

Yeah join in with the social event. Seems a pity to miss us all there.

Regarding kit, id recommend M42's (reinforced) they are widely used, by all.They are available at very good prices. M43's are more specialist, as they are late war, and can be pricey.

Where do people get this information?!

M43s were by far the more commonly used US uniform in the ETO and were used by infantry units too. M42s were used for about 6 months.

Now if you're talking airsoft, there are so many people using these and not even looking into M43s it's ridiculous. You'll all realise how practical M43s are when you're freezing your bollocks off in December and I'll be toasty warm!!

Yeah i meant on an airsoft level not on a history level. Most guys use M42's as a primary but use M43's if the games or conditions require it.

I dont own M43's at the mo.

Now if you're talking airsoft, there are so many people using these and not even looking into M43s it's ridiculous. You'll all realise how practical M43s are when you're freezing your bollocks off in December and I'll be toasty warm!!

Agreed, my M43's are absolutely brilliant I love it very comfortable warm and hard wearing.

Were M43's used during D-Day I was under the impression they wernt just making sure.

Nope!

Alright,

I'm after some brown paratrooper boots. Are there any out there cheaper than Epic/SOF = < £70

Cheers
PRIVATE TARPEY

Check out the links that we've already provided and do some militaria fair scouting.

There are plenty of German places left for the game on the 14th. If you're itching for a game ww2 you could play on the winning side instead. I should have a near complete Fallschirmjagers uniform you could borrow depending upon size. Just need a weapon and boots.

There are plenty of German places left for the game on the 14th. If you're itching for a game ww2 you could play on the winning side instead. I should have a near complete Fallschirmjagers uniform you could borrow depending upon size. Just need a weapon and boots.

Cheers lardassmonkey,
Thats really kind of you, never knew the SS were that accomadating. I would love to join in on the 14th but sadly have neither GUN or BOOTS... ...YET Gutted!!!

Thanks for your time,

PRIVATE TARPEY

Surely you must have boots of some kind if you plan to play on saturday? It doesn't mater what boots you use really as long as they fit.

I expect you can probably borrow a gun from somewhere as well. I would offer myself but only my tanaka is running 100% right now and I'll be needing that. F&O may let you hire one like you plan to on saturday, plus it may count towards your exemption.

Anyway its up to you; the offer is there or you could play allied as there now appears to be a free spot thanks to big.